Accelerator programme

Taking your mobility startup to the next level

Is your startup helping to create liveable urban spaces? Become part of an EIT Urban Mobility Accelerator and get unique access to cities, mobility players and investors

Apply now

The EIT Urban Mobility Accelerator is a EU-funded programme in five European regional hubs implemented through partners to take early-stage mobility startups to the next level. We are looking for early-stage startup-teams with business ideas that reduce congestion and increase efficiency in the transport system. With innovative approaches to make commuting faster or more enjoyable. With concepts to accelerate the transition to low- or zero-emission forms of transport – and with all other possible ideas that help to solve mobility-related problems.

5G Technologies
City Logistics
E+ Mobility
Public Realm
Urban Air Mobility

Selected startups receive

€ 5.000
in equity-free funding

€ 30.000
worth of support services

6-month uniquely designed
Accelerator programme

Enjoy 6-month office
space (in selected locations)

Direct access to “living labs” and cities for the creation of new products and services

Who should apply?

We are looking for early-stage startups from EU plus EIT participating countries (incl. RIS countries) with a properly validated, clear, scalable and innovative business idea that solves a mobility-related customer problem.

To take part in the EIT Urban Mobility Accelerator programme the teams must fulfil the following criteria:

Eligibility criteria

To participate in the EIT Urban Mobility Accelerator programme you need to fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

  • Startups should have generated less than € 1 million revenue (accumulated over startup lifetime).
  • No more than max. 5% of your shares are held outside of the eligible countries (no detailed cap table needed).
  • Startup must be incorporated in EU or EIT Urban Mobility participating countries. The registration certificate will be required to participate in the program.
  • A team with at least 2 FTE (not a single founder): minimum 1 team member pursuing the startup fulltime (not necessarily connected to monetary compensation).
  • Founders and employees (e.g. ESOP) should still own more than 70% of shares.
  • A clear, scalable business idea.
  • Duly justified TRL 4-7 (* – more information here ).
  • Minimum € 1 billion addressable market
  • Fit with City Club Challenges as described in KIC Urban Mobility Strategic Agenda in Business Plan for 2021:
    1. Shift to active modes of transport 
    2. Avoid negative health, safety and environment impacts of urban mobility
    3. Improve urban logistics 
    4. Improve public transport 
    5. Improve the quality of public space
    6. Improve traffic flow management
    7. Avoid transition barriers
  • Full submission of application including all required fields.

Selected startups from our batches

See all the Accelerator Startups

The Application Process:
The 4 Steps to your successful future!

1

Apply through our
application form

2

A panel of qualified evaluators will review your application

3

Preselected startups will be
invited to pitch in front of
a jury in their region

4

The best teams will join the
Accelerator program in July

To learn more about our current accelerator programmes and the direct links to apply, visit the dedicated pages:

5G Technologies
City Logistics
E+ Mobility
Public Realm
Urban Air Mobility

FAQs

Frequently
asked questions

Which different steps does the application process consist of?

The four steps of the application process are described here

How do I apply to the Accelerator programme?

Click here.
You will get redirected to the application platform of EIT Urban Mobility.

You will need to register and validate your account if this is your first time accessing the platform. If you have already created an account, you will need to log in.

Once logged in it is as easy as starting a new application and selecting the program.
During your application you will have to fill in all compulsory fields.

You can save and edit your application until the deadline. Make sure to submit your application before the call is closed.

What Partner will my startup join for the Accelerator programme?

Startups can only apply in one Hub/region per programme cycle. By default, the startups will be geographically allocated to the Hub that matches its headquarter (well-founded exceptions are possible). You can find the list of countries for your Hub in the FAQ below.

What are Innovation Hubs for Acceleration? Who can I contact in case of questions?

There are five Innovation Hubs across Europe (Our hubs – EIT Urban mobility) that offer the EIT Urban Mobility Business Creation Accelerator programme. Each of the Innovation Hubs Accelerator programme is managed by EIT Urban Mobility partners.

Do you have general questions related to the Accelerator Programmes and the application process?  Please contact:

accelerator@eiturbanmobility.eu

Do you need more information about EIT Urban Mobility Innovation Hubs or would you like to get involved as a partner? Please contact:

I have a question regarding your application platform. Who do I contact for troubleshooting?

Please make sure to provide all required information during your application, including that related to your profile and the profile of the startup.

For any technical questions or processes regarding the EIT Urban Mobility application platform please use the chat function or contact business.creation@eiturbanmobility.eu

Which type of acceleration services does each Partner offer?

If you are selected for the EIT Urban Mobility Accelerator programme you will receive 5.000€ equity-free funding for your startup, regardless of which Hub and Partner you have been assigned to. Other acceleration services offered by the Partners are:

  • 6-month Accelerator programme
  • 1-on-1 Business Coaching/ Mentoring
  • Startup Workshops and masterclasses
  • 6-months of Co-working Space/ Office Space (only in selected locations)
  • Direct access to “Living Labs” and Cities

The spectrum of acceleration services offered by the individual Partners varies. For details of the individual acceleration activities by Hub and by Partner please check FAQ What are Innovation Hubs for Acceleration? Who can I contact in case of questions? 

Are there any restrictions when and on what the grant funding can be used for?

To receive the 5.000 € grant you will need to have provided the registration certificate of your startup and to have signed the Sub Grant agreement (SGA) documents which specify the use of those funds. Personnel costs, expert services and other direct costs (travel, goods and services) can be included. The equity-free funding can be partially used as a travel budget for activities related to the Accelerator Program e.g. for workshops, networking events or demo days and general business development activities. The timeframe to spend the money covered under the SGA is restricted by the Accelerator programme duration of the respective batch (exceptions may apply).

How does the allocation to Innovation Hubs by country work? Which countries are “Eligible”?

Below you will find a list of eligible European countries and the Innovation Hub you will be assigned to, based on the location of your startup’s headquarters. If your country has several Partners, you may choose the Partner based on the Partner’s services that will benefit you most.

  • South: Albania, Armenia, Cyprus, France (South), Italy, Kosovo, Malta, North Macedonia, Portugal, Spain
  • Central: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Germany (South / West), Italy, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkey
  • North: Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, Germany (North), Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland (North), Sweden
  • East: Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Germany (East), Hungary, Israel, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine
  • West: Belgium, France (North), Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United Kingdom

Am I eligible for the EIT Urban Mobility Accelerator programme and what are the criteria for startup selection?

To participate in the EIT Urban Mobility Accelerator programme you need to fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

  • Startups should have received less than 1m EUR revenue (accumulated over startup lifetime).
  • No more than max. 5% of your shares are held outside of the eligible countries (no detailed cap table needed).
  • Startup must be incorporated in EU or EIT Urban Mobility participating countries. The registration certificate will be required to participate in the program.
  • A team with at least 2 FTE (NOT a single founder): minimum 1 team member pursuing the startup fulltime (not necessarily
    connected to monetary compensation).
  • Founders and employees (e.g. ESOP) should still own more than 70% of shares.
  • A clear, scalable business idea.
  • Duly justified TRL 4 – 7 (* more information here).
  • Minimum €1bn addressable market.
  • Fit with EIT UM Challenge Areas:
    1. Active Mobility
    2. Future Mobility
    3. Sustainable City Logistics
    4. Mobility and Energy
    5. Public Realm

  • FIT with EIT UM Accelerator programme and full submission of application

*According to TRL definition in Horizon 2020, https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/wp/2014_2015/annexes/h2020-wp1415-annex-g-trl_en.pdf

Where can I find the guide for startups on the EIT Urban Mobility Accelerator batch#3 eligibility and selection process?

You can find the guide for startups on the EIT Urban Mobility Accelerator batch#3 eligibility and selection process here and at EIT Urban Mobility application platform.

If we are not allowed to travel and to participate in face to face events due to the current COVID-19 situation, how is the programme structured to solve this?

All Hubs and accelerator partners will run adapted programmes to minimise impact of European restrictions due to COVID-19 to selected startups. Programmes will include digital offerings, virtual workshops, networking events and demo days that can be joined via video-calls and networking tools. Programme management will plan the programme and curriculum accordingly based on the published and applicable local and international policies and guidelines.

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